FTX Marks Beginning of the End for Basic Camp

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from First Regiment Basic Camp trudged through murky terrain and put their leadership and communication skills to the test at the field training exercise lanes (FTX) on June 16.

With three weeks of Cadet Summer Training under their belts, Cadets were able to apply the various skills they’ve leaned through different exercises, such as the team development course (TDC) and the field leader reaction course (FLRC) in an interactive training environment.

“Cadets are given a mission, they’re assigned leadership positions within their squad and they then have to react to different scenarios that we’ve been coaching them through the past two or three days,” said Cadet Austin Williams, University of Kentucky.

Cadets from 1st Regiment Basic Camp take aim as they prepare for an ambush on June 16 at Fort Knox, Ky. (Photo by Emily Peacock)

Cadet Williams is assisting with Basic Camp and evaluating their progress based on core leadership competencies and their technical proficiencies.

We’re training for more conventional warfare, said Cadet Williams. We’re interested more in dealing with civilians, like building trust and confidence with our allies.

During their time at FTX Cadets participate in activities such as land navigation, reconnaissance, and attack, just to name a few.

“Cadets are being evaluated on everything that has come to this point,” said 2nd Lt. Trent Wilson. “This includes their tactics along with their knowledge of basic army maneuvers.”

In one instance, Cadets from Alpha Company engaged in an ambush on four members of the opposition as they walked “unknowingly” across the rocky terrain. Cadets, held their position, fired on their targets and checked to ensure the area was clear.

“This is a culmination of everything they’ve been learning for the past three weeks up to this point,” said Lt. Wilson. “They’re able to apply the knowledge and understanding that they have, and as an observer and evaluator we’re able to see how this is sticking.”

For Lt. Wilson, this isn’t his first time to the FTX lanes. After participating in Basic Camp three years ago, Lt. Wilson is back to evaluate Cadets’ performance as well as provide insight from his own personal experience with FTX.